Illinois ladies facing bc
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Morning from sunny Florida...well, sunny right now but the rain is coming. They really do need it as they have had little to no rain for the last 3 weeks. Big waves today, high tide line...nice breeze.
Rita...ate dinner on the river last night and I took some pix for you...of catfish! They hide under the big dock and when you throw some food in they all go crazy...hundreds of them..so thick you could almost walk on them! Not much fun to catch tho...all you would need would be a net! Not much sport in that...
I guess we are not getting much rain back at home so I am thinking all the flowers are dead! Oh well.....we shut off the water to the house when we leave for more than a day so no one could water for us anyway....
I am listening to the weather channel and I guess they are waiting down in Miami for tropical storm Bonnie. We are about 3.5 hours N but that does explain our big waves and the great breeze. Our plan for today is to look at a condo in Cocoa Beach, on the river so we would see sunsets. Beach is about 3 minute walk...just across the street. We know the price...but not the HOA fees, which can be high down here.
Have a great Friday everyone!
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Hi everyone,
No rain for us today -- whew !!! Sure glad as we are still baking slowly with the thick humidity --- a little Florida/Louisiana type weather for us. Wondering if we will have an early strange winter. Hmmm, another case of -- I'd have tried to enjoy it more if I would have known we were going into global warming/climate change -- whatever they want to call it. It's just not too pleasant. Still quite wet here but the high temps. and hot sun may take care of that today. Heat index is 110 degrees predicted today. Sigh !!!!
I think I mentioned before.....I got my test results when I was ( thank goodness ) at home in my own computer room. I think down deep inside I knew something was wrong --- at the time they did a biopsy on each side. Having two "bad looking" areas gave me at least a 50 % chance I felt that something could be wrong. Well, I was stoic while Dr. Proeska gave me the news, and even asked a couple of questions. Once I hung up I totally fell to pieces. I cried and cried and I think I saw lots of life snatches wondering if and how many more there could be. Turns out people are stuck with me --- there is a whole lifetime more.
In thinking of Wendy's words about checking out homes in Florida....I picked out a couple of quotes -- couldn't decide which I liked best so kept them both.
Hugs, Jackie
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Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to. ~John Ed Pearce
Home ought to be our clearinghouse, the place from which we go forth lessoned and disciplined, and ready for life. ~Kathleen Norris0 -
Good morning all you beautiful Illinois ladies!
Wow, took me quite awhile to go through all the posts I missed, but well worth it.
Well, yesterday was my 3rd tx and went very well. But again, waiting on SE to begin tomorrow. BIG SIGH! Trying to be proactive and taking my Diflucon prior to the diarrhea and the Flora Stor. Maybe I can head them off. The good news is that my white blood count went UP from last time (from 22.0 to 19.0). Only ONE more tx to go! August 11th. Then the dreaded radiation treatments! YUCH!
My nails are getting funky though. Looked at them the other day (I don't wear nail polish) and instead of nice white little half moons on the cuticle bed, I have a pink/rose half moon, then a white half moon, and another pink/rose half moon starting. I'm assuming the first one is from my first tx, the white part is when I'm healing and the second pink/rose half moon is from the 2nd tx. Guess I'm going to have to start wearing nail polish! I'm so terrible at putting this stuff on. All over my fingers. I know I should go get a pedi/manicure, but with all the hospital bills coming in, I really can't afford any luxuries.
And for anyone having Chemo breakouts, the absolutely BEST thing I have found is "witch hazel" (make sure it is witch hazel and NOT alcohol!). Cleared my acne up quickly and I also use it on my almost completely bald head now twice a day. Very cooling and soothing. Even took care of the little sores on my head too.
Another person (very early on in this thread) mentioned runny nose due to no hair! ME TOO! When I go to the bathroom at work, I have to wonder if the person sitting a stall down from me wonders if I'm doing so sort of illicit drug cause I'm always sniffling! Ha, ha!
Well, I hope everyong has a great SE free weekend. Keep your chin up, keep in touch and remember, WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!
Have a great weekend all!
Deb
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well.. since we are talking about 'calls'.. I knew before the call.. I had an Ultrasound on a Tues.. within 30 min I had a call to schedule a biopsy for that Thurs.. during which the Dr pretty much tol me what she thought.. The confirmation call went to my DH (per my request).. then the worse news was the following Thur night.. the Dr said he'd call by 5.. but didn't..so we knew something was 'up'.. he called at 8 and talked to my DH and then me.. my parents were there and my older kids.. probably the worst night of my life.. SO.. that's when we came up with the motto "Nothing but GOOD news from now on!!" So we'll hopefully know next week!!
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YEA DEB! Only one more to go! I'm so glad you checked back in! You've about got it "licked." For me, the radiation was so much easier than the chemo. It was just an inconvenience since you go every day, but it takes just a little time out of your day. I went early before they had time to "get behind" on their schedule and was in and out in no time.
I'm not playing golf until later this afternoon so I have another day to get things caught up around the house. It's really rather nice for a change.
Jackie, my dear friend, how dare you even suggest the thought of an EARLY strange winter! LOL That's so depressing and you're our "upbeat lady!" (I have to admit though that I've thought about that same possibility!)
Wendy, wow! That sounds like a lot of catfish in one place! You're right, though.....they wouldn't be much of a fishing challenge!
Well, I'm off to do something constructive today. That way I can play all weekend and not feel guilty!
Hugs to all you!
Rita
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Morning Everyone. OMG did you see /hear the lighten show we had last night. It looked like 4th of July. It light up the sky like daylight. Scary!! My poor pond is overflowing now as I saw some of the streets are too. What's up with this goofy weather. Looks like we are in for it all day here. Rain, rain and more rain. sigh.
Rita....ahhh, boating, fishing, calm waters what more could you ask for. Water is so soothing for the soul. Glad to see that you are enjoying the boat.
Jackie....please get some rest and walk down to the river. I think you too need the calm waters as you are working way to hard. Did you get your x rays / results yet.
Makmak...how are you feeling. Is your kitty feeling better.
Brat...glad to see you post and hope you are resting during your txs.
Wendy....did you find my condo yet. lol I am getting ready to pack and come down. Miss ya.
Zap...no I am not up north as I just got out of the hospital and have those dreaded md appts set up. I need to get this under control as school starts in a few weeks. The first few weeks of school are nuts. So this needs to go away. lol
I hope you all try to have a dry Saturday. Remember to be healthy....be happy and enjoy life.
BJ
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morning! I see that there has been very heavy rain back home with storms...hope the electricity stayed on so the sump kept up. Oh well....bsmt is unfinished and we will probably need a new furnace in a year or 2 anyway!
Brat....it might have been me that talked about the runny nose due to no nose hair. That was so funny to discover. Who ever thought how important nose hair was!!! Yeah....rads was just more about the every day thing. I too grabbed a early appt and never waited. In and out. And my skin held up perfectly.
BJ: cannot believe that summer is almost ended for you. You've been in PT, then you hurt your shoulder, then this latest! You need a vacay from vacay! Miss you too...
OK...condo hunt....well, we looked at one.
They were built about 4 years ago and then the economy went south. They are selling for about 1/2 of what they were and nore that half remain unsold. They are on the river and see sunset. Very beautiful and include 2 car garage, under building. 3bed/3 bath is the smallest. BUT...taxes were almost $6000/year and HOA fees were $325 so we were at over $800/month without even the mortgage. And they of course are unfurnished. So....in a word...NO. DH once he retires and we sell in south elgin we could do that but not now. So...no condo for us...yet. I guess we could buy a smaller unit, furnished, and then let the on-site mgmt rent it out. An idea...
Storm has passed thru here so sunny today and breezy. Off tonight to have dinner on the river with SIL/BIL and I will be having that fried banana cheesecakje again! Don't worry....I will just have a salad for dinner before!
Have a wonderful Saturday everyone...when I buy that condo how about we all do an IL Ladies weekend? Of course I will need a boat as well......Rita, bring yours along!
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"...the greatest strength is in gentleness."
--Leon Shenandoah, ONONDAGA
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Hi ladies:
I hope it is okay that I bring a little discouraging news here. I am only doing so only because I know you all understand and that you may be able to help me with my friend. My friend (I have known her since fourth grade) who lives close to me called and told me she is facing BC again. She was seven years out and it has come back in two places in her breast. This time she is doing a mastectomy. Her surgery is August 5. I am optimistic that it has not spread as they are doing surgery and my understanding is that they do not do surgery if it has spread elsewhere. They go right to chemo and that is not the plan. She is so down right now that I am not asking too many questions.
I told her that she had my 100% support and that I would be ever ready as she faces this. I fully want to do that. I thought that by sharing this with you, you may be able to help me in the future to be be the best support I can be for her. It just never goes away, does it?
I hope I have no upset anyone. Thank you!
Susan
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Zap, I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend and the return of the ugly beast (bc). No you have not upset anyone, only expressing your concern. She sounds like she is in the place that we all have visited at one time. Just being there, holding her hand and listening is the best gift right now. When she is ready she will talk,cry,yell /or scream or do what ever feels best at that moment. Sharing your love / support is the best gift of all. No, I don't think it will ever go away totally the feelings we each have towards bc. But it may fade away the longer we move away from it.
I will keep her and you in my prayers. Special healing hugs to you.
BJ
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Susan - Wow...you're right...it doesn't go away. I can't imagine a better friend than you, to help her through this. And of course...we're here for both of you. Hang in there...I'm sure it's a very somber day for you. On a happy note...I keep forgetting to tell you...I listen to the CD all the time.
BJ - How are you feeling? Please let us know. Don't be too tough! ; )
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Hello everyone, Sorry I have been gone for so long but my heart just hasn't been in it to post. I do try to keep up with everyone. Zap, your post really hit me. I currently have 4 women friends that are dealing with BC and are in some phase of TX. And you are so right when you say that this never goes away. Every time I get the news that there is one more with the BCdx I could just scream. I even had a little pity party when I read the news article that Avastin does not prolong life for our stage IV gals. I was so hopeful that it would be the next good treatment. And I grieved for myself too. Kinda thought that if I ever got the news that the cancer had spread, that Avastin would do the trick. So I said a prayer for the research people that they continue with their work and find a cure.
Thanks for listening. And for all that post......Thank you.
Elf song, please post. I am worried about you
Navy
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Hi Everyone. A few moments to lurk tonight. (I shouldn't be thankful for the Wii and Mario Bros., but can I admit here that for a little bit, tonight, I am!. DH out and it's just me and the kiddos).
Susan- regarding your post and the return of your friend's cancer....that's basically what happened with me. A return after 8 years as a new primary in the same breast- after I had thrown the book at it- lump, chemo, rads. I had some very very dark days and honestly even considered doing nothing because if it hadn't worked the first time...... Well, I somehow pulled myself out of that funk...and somewhere along the process I began to think of it in a different way. Rather than being cursed--- I think I may be somewhat lucky and I've dodged (for now) the bullet twice. It was a new primary, caught early, no node involvement. I'm not too thrilled with the new "foob." I'm grateful for the clothes that cover it and I'm grateful that I had the option for the "foob." My mother, in 1976, had no such option then. This is huge for me to write this as I do tend to be a "half-empty, this sucks!" type. All this to say-- for whatever my experience is worth- something to think about in regards to your friend.
Thunderstorm weary tonight. I adore thunderstorms and actually found it quite peaceful to watch the light show last night. But they rattled Tim terribly and he was in the room every 20 minutes, until I finally curled up next to him in his little twin bed. We both finally slept. So I'm pooped-- he's running around here as the usual tornado he is....
-julie b
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Morning all from sunny Fl...DH are at the point that if we could go home, we would. Not to S. Elgin but to our house/condo down the road. One TV, one bathroom, eating out....for us it gets old. And having "stuff" all over the place drives me crazy.
Susan....I am so sorry to hear about your friend. For myself in the past year I think I have moved past the "when it comes back" to the "if" but it still haunts me from time to time. Still wonder if I shouldn't have had the breast removed or both and had recon...but being Her2+, that loves to come back as mets so maybe to wouldn't have made any difference. But to go thru this all again, like your friend and Juliechicago too...I guess I would first thinik "why bother" but then I woulod forge ahead. Not willingly, but ahead. Chemo again, bald again....hard thing to do once but twice? Someone here once said she got thru chemo the first time thinking about how little kids do it..sometimes many times. That put things in perspective a bit...but after 7 years it coming back? Just a crappy thing to have happen to your friend. Tell her she has our support and give her a hug from me, OK?
Navymom...I too was disheartened to hear about avastin. Thought that this might be an answer for me too, should the beast come back. I remember being so excited about 2 years ago when I heard about the Her2+ vaccine that was in trials, but the money dried up. Just think...if that had worked for gals like me to get a shot once a year and that would be that. Nice dream while it lasted...
We are leaving the hotel for the day....it's that crazy "jamaican' me crazy" party here and it is a zoo AND they are throwing a "full moon party" at the same time, altho it all closes down by 6. Now I like loud music but this was so bad last Sunday that we were yelling at each other to be heard IN our room with the balcony doors closed.
Tomorrow is our last full day and we will spend it at the pool and then with family tomorrow night...our flight is at 11:30 on Tuesday so up early as we have that long drive back to Orlando...home by 2-2:30. And then...hopefully not to a water-filled basement!
Have a wonderful Sunday all....
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Susan- I too am sorry to read about your friend. Cancer sucks. With your support she will find the strength to get through this again. We all hope that we can offer you support and strength too. Hugs to you.
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I hope this does not come with the dreaded marks I so hate:
Celebrating Rainbows and Butterflies - the Small Miracles of Our Life Rainbows and butterflies are themselves beautiful and highly symbolic, but they are also representative of all the small miracles of our life - the little things that are so easy to overlook, yet so awe inspiring when we take a moment to notice and to pay attention.Give thanks for the rainbows, for the butterflies, for all God's creatures - large and small, for the bright blue sky and the soft fog and the gentle rain, for the tree veiled in the season's first frost, for the baby's laugh, for the touch of a hand and the whispered "I love you."My own "Rainbows & Butterflies" are the squirrels chasing each other around the apple tree, the deer and her fawn who visit us for the apples, the magnificent hawk who swoops low through our yard, the sea otters at play on the beach, the ungainly yet graceful and serene manatees that once came to swim with us.Consider these "Rainbows & Butterflies"a gentle kissa baby's smilethe voice on the telephone that says "I'm glad you called."the gentle whisper from the other side of the bed, "sweet dreams. I love you."a song that touches our heart - whether a sad song, a song of love, or a polkaraindrops on leavesbrightly colored glassa bird in flighta basketful of kittensa gentle foga sunseta roaring fireroasting marshmallowsthe season's first dusting of snowfruit and vegetables picked with our own hand
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Whew !!! really hate the "marks" that end up in my quotes now and then.
Susan --- these wonderful ladies have said it all. Just having you in her corner right now will mean the world to your friend --- and the fact that you have been there and done that now --- so you will know first hand what she is going through every inch of the way. Though I dislike the cliche' -- it is priceless and by the way so are you.
Good to see you Julie and Navy Mom. Hope you can be inspired by the rainbows and butterflies. I am going to do all my hard work this a.m. and then do some fun things capping it all off with a movie in bil Dave's home theater -- Ice Age. We never got around to this one -- I understand there is actually a series of three, but are taking our friend Susan's ( the one I'm boarding cats for in my computer room ) suggestion and enjoying it together at Dave's house after a nice dinner. So I shall get to smell a few roses today.
Can I say -- I try not to think of cancer too often. I feel almost certain I have had my first and last bout of it, and that is my focus -- my ideal, where it is concerned, usually lies. Once in a while I get hit with a what if feeling or a "thought or two" drifts into my head when I feel something that seems like it could be ominous. For the most part though I don't want to be a 'slave' to being scared, confused and upset by changes I would have once ignored. Here's hoping I can continue to do that.
Well, onward for the day. Getting second load of laundry done and cleaning ( I did three and a half hours yesterday ) the cat apt. at Maggie's later. Finally at long last.....I think we bested the fleas that had taken up residence there. What a gigantic struggle. I used 6 products -- some several times with no results......the last one just went to town so to speak and all is gone. I may be able to put up the kitties and bring them home on Monday. Sure hope so......adding the daily trip to the kennel to feed and reassure the kitties that they would be home soon was and is getting wearisome to do. Will be nice anytime I can pull something off the list.
Anyway.....I am wishing a delightful day full of rainbows and butterflies to all of you. I wish you all love and strength.
Hugs, Jackie
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Good morning. Stopping by to say hi. Jackie , Glad you won the flea battle. What was the final product that did the trick? Not much going on, We had big storms last night 1-1/2 inches of rain. The right arm is swelling up bad again and very painful. I also heard the news about Avastain. Is that similar to arimidex or is it totally different? Laura how is little Paulie? We havent seen him in a while. No word from Elf song yet? How about the Laundry Fairy? They were planning on moving to AZ right? I wonder if she left us. Love Budder
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Jackie: I had a flea infestation once and it was horrible. Two important things to remember:
1 - If you used a vacuum to clean - THROW THE BAG AWAY IMMEDIATELY! There are flea eggs in the bag!
2 - In one week, do it AGAIN! The eggs hatch every week or so.
Susan: I pray for your friend (and all of you too!).
My SE are here today. Not as bad as usual, but feel awful, fuzzy and wobbly. The Diflucan seems to be working. Although the toilet overflowed this a.m. due to all the toilet paper and wipes I have been using so now I have to disinfect the bathroom floor (thank heaven's for tile!).
Must go lie down and take it easy. Tomorrow is work and I know it's going to be a very busy, difficult day.
Have a wonderful day all!
Deb
Took the plunge yesterday and shaved my head completely. The few remaining stubbles were really driving me nuts.
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I cannot help but think that going through BC brings out the compassion within us. Your comments are so compassionate and kind and show that you clearly get it. I felt so sad for her as she sounded so sad! Just deep sadness in her tone. She wondered if this was her fault (diet, stress management, etc). That is a bad feeling to think you caused your own bad health. His husband is very ill and he cannot help her. He had a weird stroke at a young age that came out of the blue and is in a facility to be cared for. I feel so better able to there for her.
Paul and I are heading for Burlington, Wisconsin for a bike ride. It will be good to get away.
Thanks for everything! You are al the best.
Susan
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Susan, I think you'll be a fanastic help to your friend and I'm so sorry to hear that she has to go through this again. Let's hope beyond hope that it's contained in the breast tissue. Hugs to both of you!
Wendy, enjoy the last hours of your vacation. They always seem to end too soon!
Blackjack, I hope you get feeling lots better before school hits again. Hugs! Take care and rest whenever possible.
Brat, so sorry that you're having a rough day with the SE's. Let's hope they are short lived and you get to feeling more like your ol' self. Hang in there. You can do it!
Well, I'm off to plant some iris that my Dad sent and pick a few green beans. Our garden is really producing this year.
Hope everyone is having a good Sunday.
Rita
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Hi everyone.....the name of the product was Knock-Out. So strange --- I worked in the cat room for three and a half hours yesterday with nary so much as one little flea.....went back in today and they were all over me again. I am truly frustrated. Was hoping not to have to call an actual exterminator --- they do guarantee their work which is wonderful --- but the point is that all of these recommended products basically guaranteed much success and so far.....after two weeks of nearly constant treatments of some sort --- the problem is still there. Well --- we will see tomorrow --- I used more Knock-Out. Maybe a second dose.
So far --- a long day. I was hoping to get my work done early and have some time to myself.....it didn't work out well.....there is always tomorrow.
Will see you all later.
Big hugs, Jackie
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Susan,
I hope your friend's cancer is only in her breast. We never want it to come back but just because it does, doesnt mean life is over. Life changes but its still a life worth lving. Hugs, Mazy
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Morning...saw my last sunrise over the ocean, as tomorrow we will be leaving about 7am and we both will be glad to go home. Will be nice to be in my own bed. But I will so miss the ocean. Down here they have nesting turtles so all the lights go out by 8:45 or so but it was so sad last night...DH and I took a walk on the beach about 7pm and came across a group of weeping "turtle ladies"....there was a dead turtle on the beach and she had died before she was able to lay her eggs. These turtles are so few now and with the polution their numbers are going down even with the turtle ladies, keeping an eye on the nests.
Hope everyone is doing as well as they can and that the se's for those of you in tx are treating you kindly today....
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ahh.... the beach is my peace and serenity, so I know how you feel Wendy. I spent 9 glorious days on Sanibel Island, the end of May - just before coming home to have my bilateral mastectomy. It was just what I needed to get me through ... and now I look forward to a recovery trip after treatment!
My second round of AC is tomorrow morning. Wish me well everyone! My fingers are crossed and prayers being said that it's no worse than the first time. I had a headache and some nausea that evening and felt a little 'weird' that week but not too bad really! I have two different girlfriends coming to stay w/me (one early in the week, one later) so that should be fun. Am due to lose my locks this week too - yippee
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Good luck Ginger and ALL going thru TX!!!BJ...hope rest and healing is occuring still for you!!
Deb...YEAH!! Doin the final shave as truamatic as it appears to be, I found it to be sooo freeing and remember how better my head felt as well!!! You get some sense of control and that is empowering!All the best and it is ALL doable!!!Ginger.. loosing the hair was not as bad as i thought.When I learned I had to have chemo, the first thing I asked my Oncologist was.. will I loose my hair, NOT will this save my life!!!!In relfection, and it has only been a year, my hair is back and fuller than ever. You all will have this too!
Susan..sorry for your friend. It is so hard to feel this powerlfess when you hear this news. Prayer is the only thing that works for me as it is just too overwhelming and you are grateful to have what you have and wish everyone did. This disease is always looming over you and that is the hardest. That is why living life as best you can is everything.
Elf... goin West is c`ertainly goin to be a change and maybe someday will be living close to you!!lol..
Go back to my Dr tomm as i am just not there and know it is adrenal based issues. Hope for something more aggressive to build my endocrine system as i have been experieincing alot of lows and acting "as If" is not easy!! BUT. I am grateful to where i am today and have the right support and Dr 's to go to for help!!!!
Hope heat is less today as we do not want to metlt!
Donna
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oh Lord I hope it doesn't come back fuller than ever! I have always had such thick hair .... I could live the rest of my (long, long) life with about half this much! Now if it comes back (and stays) curly, I'd be ok with that! But I'm not too worried about losing it. As with everything else in the process, I have a strange sense of excited / anticipation about it. I've stocked up on cute caps and pretty scarves, learned how to tie a mean turban last week and am ready for the next step of this adventure
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Donna I have missed you. Are you still moving? Sorry you havent been feeling well. Let us know what the Doc says.
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